People must secure their homes to stop the increase in sneak-in burglaries in the district, according to Weetwood's newest police chief.

High-powered cars are being stolen because people are ignoring police warnings to secure their property.

Divisional Commander, Chief Superi-ntendent Ian Levitt has warned people about the likelihood of burglary if they do not lock their doors and windows.

Chief Supt Levitt is taking the hard approach to get the message across to people who leave their houses open to thieves.

After just over a week in the job, he has secured funding for leaflets to be printed and distributed to as many houses as possible to warn people that their property is very much at risk if they keep bunches of keys on show.

Residents across Aireborough, Wharfedale and Horsforth are being targeted - and the crimes seem to be more popular in Guiseley and Horsforth.

Chief Supt Levitt said: "Up to two or three cars are being stolen from driveways when thieves sneak into an un-locked house to steal car keys. Up to 43 per cent of burglaries in the likes of Guiseley and Horsforth are those where thieves have sneaked in to an unlocked house with the intention of stealing car keys to vehicles parked on the drive.

"Vehicles stolen from the side of the road are predominantly older vehicles because vehicle manufacturers have listened to what we have said that security should be built in to vehicles.

"I have received confirmation that we will be able to get the leaflets and stickers which will help to raise awareness.

"I wanted to do all I could to stop this before it gets worse because I have got to the stage where the problem is escalating and people are not listening to the warnings."

According to police this type of burglary is becoming more popular as thieves ditch older vehicles because they know that newer ones are easy pickings when house doors are left unlocked.

Chief Supt Levitt said: "How do we get the message across? It is a very simple message - all people need to do is lock their doors, and keep their keys out of sight. I understand people's routines. They come in from work, throw their bag down and go upstairs to wash or get changed.

"When they come back downstairs, their bag has gone, along with their keys and consequently their car.

"All I want people to do is lock the front door the second they step through it."

Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer at Weetwood Police, Peter Krushniak, said: "These thefts are on the up and they are becoming more complex.

"Sometimes more than one car is taken because all the keys are hung on a hook together.

"Recently we have seen cases where women have returned home from shopping and they have had their cars stolen while they are unloading.

"Thieves are only too happy to look out for people leaving their doors open and keys on show."

l Anyone who wants information about crime prevention can call the Crime Prevention team on (0113) 241 3439.